In the main event of “KADOEBI BOXING FIGHT 4” held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on the 18th, the WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight Title 10-round match saw champion Shu Utsuki (Watanabe) secure a 3-0 unanimous decision victory over 12th-ranked Cristiano Aoki (Kadoebi Hoseki) with scores of 97–93, 97–93, and 98–92. With this win, Utsuki successfully completed his third title defense.
食い下がるアオキを退けた宇津木㊨
While Utsuki ultimately secured a clear decision victory, it is fair to say he struggled more than the scores suggested, allowing for a tremendous effort from the challenger.
Against Aoki, who closed the distance from the opening bell to smother him and throw hooks from both sides, Utsuki chose not to keep him at bay with left jabs. Instead, he opted to parry at close range while picking his spots. Though he damaged Aoki with hooks and uppercuts to the body, this range also played into Aoki’s counter-attacking rhythm. Aoki, despite being forced back, desperately fired off hooks that repeatedly knocked Utsuki off balance. Seeing this undoubtedly allowed Aoki to ignore the body damage he was taking and find his second wind. The most prominent example was in the fifth round, when a double left hook from Aoki shook Utsuki’s upper body. Furthermore, seeing Utsuki pushed down onto the canvas likely gave Aoki additional momentum.
宇津木は「負けたかと…」
Utsuki’s technique, involving shifting his head position and footwork while persistently attacking the body, was superior to Aoki’s. His high level of commitment to outclassing his opponent even on the opponent’s own terms is commendable. However, it is also true that choosing this approach increased the level of risk. Winning while minimizing risk—that may be the true path to the stage he aspires to reach.
Utsuki (31) moves to 18-1 (15 KOs). Aoki (37), whose third world title challenge ended in disappointment, now stands at 19-13-2 (12 KOs).
